I went to G-Mex today (Sunday) and I have to say it was a lot quieter than the Milton Keynes and London shows. Chatting to a couple of dealers, and overhearing a few conversations while browsing, I got the impression that quite a few found the show poor. I thought there were a few more card dealers than usual for a Showmasters event but the lack of any big release (ie a Buffy or Stargate set) this side of the new year meant the only cards I picked up were a couple of Stargate Season 8 promos.
As for the guests when you say you saw them do you mean you paid for the autographs or were you just wishing to catch a glimpse of them? I ask because the layout is designed for the paying punter and I have to say it worked very well. I got Michael Shank, Chris Judge, James Callis and Andy Serkis autographs and posed photographs with ease.
And if you want more from the event may I suggest you try the guest talks. I never bothered with them before but attended the Battlestar Galactica (James Callis and Katee Sackhoff) and the Andy Serkis talks. Both were very entertaining and informative and made me regret not going before.
I would agree that Memorabilia is bigger but I would suggest Collectormania is aimed at a slightly different market. When I go to this type of event I am primarily attracted by the guest signings and the stalls are almost there for something to do while waiting for my ticket number to come up. However when I attend Memorabilia, usually in November, I go for the stalls.
I think you will have to give this event time to ‘bed down’, the first London show Showmasters did is supposed to have made a hefty loss and Collectormania did not really take off until the fourth show.
Just wanting a glimpse of the stars! I thought the queuing system was excellent, a bit like the system they have at theme parks for all the major rides. Get a ticket, go off and do something then come back when you number is on the board. It's a bit haphazard at Memorabilia with people pushing in and what not but I like the fact that many of them are dotted about all over the floor so you can get to "see" them more easily.
I prefer to collect autograph trading cards and I have virtually all of the actors who were there this weekend. Jorge Garcia will probably sign for Lost Season 2 or 3 and Katee Sackhoff and James Callis are either signing for Season 1 or will probably sign for season 2 so I can wait for those. All the rest I already have. I like collecting the cards rather than signed photos because they do so many of them at so many events. That said, some of the actors had signs up saying "no posed photos" (Michael Shanks was one of them if I remember rightly) which must be disappointing if you've gone all the way to see your favourite. I couldn't stay for any of the talks, limited time this weekend but that was also a case of no photos or videos.
I guess if people found the show poor, it doesn't bode well for future events at the GMEX. I hope they give it a chance, it's a lot easier to get to (for me anyway) and with Manchester right on the doorstep, there's plenty to do afterwards.
